Things to Do in Santa Monica, Los Angeles A popular resort town known for its beaches and hospitality. The area features the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
Plan Santa Monica Plan your Santa Monica trip Free · and No sign-up By TripSapien · Updated October 13, 2026
Home / Things to do in Los Angeles / Neighborhoods / Santa Monica Top things to do in Santa Monica
Museum of Flying ★ 4.5 · 534★
Museum exploring Southern California's aviation history through historic aircraft & artifacts.
Mon–Wed Closed
Thu–Fri 10 AM – 4 PM
Sat 10 AM – 4 PM
Sun 10 AM – 4 PM
Beadahs
Mon–Tue Closed
Wed–Fri 11 AM – 6 PM
Sat 11 AM – 6 PM
Sun 11 AM – 6 PM
Tehran Market ★ 4.6 · 548
Stalwart grocer specializing in Persian & Middle Eastern goods, including pastries, cheese & bread.
Every day 8 AM – 8 PM
Bergamot Station Arts Center ★ 4.5 · 523
Diverse space featuring several art galleries with rotating exhibits, plus spaces for rent.
Mon Closed
Tue–Fri 10 AM – 6 PM
Sat 10 AM – 6 PM
Sun Closed
Aero Theater ★ 4.6 · 585
Independent movie theater with a throwback feel features vintage Hollywood & foreign films.
Paper Source
Chain for decorative paper, crafting supplies & quirky gifts, plus custom stationery.
Mon–Tue 10 AM – 7 PM
Wed–Fri 10 AM – 8 PM
Sat 10 AM – 7 PM
Sun 11 AM – 6 PM Where to eat & drink in Santa Monica
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee ★ 4.6 · 1.8k· $1–10
Sleek sweet shop for creative donuts, from sweet flavors to savory breakfast versions, plus coffee.
Mon–Thu 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Fri 6:30 AM – 9 PM
Sat 6:30 AM – 9 PM
Sun 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Milo & Olive ★ 4.4 · 1.7k· $20–60
The name is as cute as a button, but the wood-fired pizzas turned out of this kitchen are serious business.
Mon–Thu 7 AM – 9 PM
Fri 7 AM – 10 PM
Sat 7 AM – 10 PM
Sun 7 AM – 9 PM
Lokl Haus ★ 4.8 · 231· $10–20
Mon Closed
Tue–Fri 7:30 AM – 3 PM
Sat 8 AM – 3 PM
Sun 8:30 AM – 3 PM
10 Speed Coffee ★ 4.3 · 291· $10–20
A coffee shop and roaster dedicated to small batch roasting, known for its connection to cycling and active lifestyle communities and cafe culture.
Mon–Fri 6 AM – 4 PM
Sat 6 AM – 2 PM
Sun 6 AM – 2 PM
The Brixton ★ 4.5 · 813· $20–30
Stylish neighborhood gastropub for comfort food small plates, craft cocktails & beer & wines on tap.
Mon 12 PM – 9:30 PM
Tue–Wed 12 PM – 10 PM
Thu 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Fri 12 PM – 11 PM
Sat 9:30 AM – 11 PM
Sun 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Blueys Santa Monica ★ 4.4 · 979· $20–30
Aussie-inspired breakfast & lunch cafe with acai bowls, organic sandwiches, burgers, juices & more.
Mon–Fri 7 AM – 4 PM
Sat 8 AM – 4 PM
Sun 8 AM – 4 PM
Primo Passo Coffee Co ★ 4.5 · 594· $1–10
This casual coffeehouse features indoor & outdoor seating, plus a chic, glass-heavy space.
Every day 6:30 AM – 6 PM
Rae's Restaurant ★ 4.6 · 1.2k· $10–20
Old-school diner serving up American eats such as classic breakfasts & chicken-fried steaks.
Every day 6:30 AM – 2 PM
The Penthouse ★ 4.4 · 1.0k· $100+
Perched atop Huntley Hotel, this trendy American eatery is famed for cocktails & panoramic views.
Mon–Thu 7 AM – 11 PM
Fri 7 AM – 2 AM
Sat 7 AM – 2 AM
Sun 7 AM – 11 PM Planning time in Santa Monica?
Add your dates and we'll check every place for closures, limited hours, and booking needs before you go.
Pick your dates Santa Monica map Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
1 Museum of Flying 2 Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee 3 Milo & Olive 4 Beadahs 5 Tehran Market 6 Lokl Haus 7 10 Speed Coffee 8 Bergamot Station Arts Center 9 Aero Theater 10 The Brixton Other areas in Los Angeles Ready to plan Santa Monica? Turn these Santa Monica picks into a day-by-day Los Angeles plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
Plan my Los Angeles trip
Museum of FlyingScience Museum
Sidecar Doughnuts & CoffeeDonut Shop
Milo & OliveItalian
